We've talked plenty about the Nationals' ever-changing rotation, and obviously there will be a new member added to that group tonight when Ross Ohlendorf (just summoned from Class AAA Syracuse) takes the mound against the Rockies. But a great pitching performance is only as good as the run support said pitcher gets from his teammate, and few Nats pitchers are getting much run support these days.

So it's up to tonight's starting eight to get something going at hitter-friendly Coors Field. It didn't happen last night, when the Nationals scored two early runs and then essentially shut down for the rest of the evening. Perhaps this group can enjoy some more sustained success against Jorge De La Rosa, a pretty good left-hander for Colorado.

Davey Johnson will try out a couple of new faces, with Jeff Kobernus making his second career start (his first in left field) and Jhonatan Solano behind the plate (he worked with Ohlendorf in Syracuse earlier this year). Otherwise, it's the same lineup we've seen for much of the last week.

As you know, I'm not in Colorado, but please enjoy the game and the conversation…

Your opinion deuces, but I have never heard of anyone accuse Ryan of not hustling hard. I think your wrong.By the way, I watched the replay already it doesn't show either of our takes on it. You don't see him admiring his shot, but you also can't see whether he was going to catch Kobernus, but FP clearly states that Kobernus was a factor.Between FP's explanation, and Zimm's reputation, I give him the benefit of the doubt over what's been said here by people that couldn't see anymore than I did.How about that catch by the laggard Zimmerman?

Exactly, not busting it out of the box doesn't equal lollygagging. There's a variety of points in between those two. He's not like guys who give up on a pop foul that's going into the dugout, for instance.

One observation for you in Desi's hot streak started a few games after Espi stopped batting behind him and he got red hot when Rendon provided protection behind him in the order. The game is 90% mental and the other 1/2 is physical.

"Our motto best 25 NORTH was obviously ignored by Rizzo.North Espi, Duke HrodNot North Rendon, Abad , Krol."Come on MNF, that's not fair. Rendon had hardly ANY professional games and Espi looked good in spring training. Krol was a complete unknown. I do think Abad deserved to make it though.

AWESOME game!!!Good offense, and the potential leaks in the infield were airtight. Rendon was aggressive and on the ball on that DP attempt. Keep it up! Make me look silly for worrying ;)… and keep up the hitting!!!Zim killed all manner of feeds to first tonight. I don't think I even gasped on the last grounder to him in the 8th. Ohlendorf! What can you say? Wow. I'm stunned!

Manassas Nats' Fan said… I asked earlier didnt see any opinions.Why did Espi, Duke andd HROD COME NORTHWhe Rendon, Abad and Krol were far better.____________________________________________Rendon wouldn't be ready for Opening Day and the same for Krol who was being converted to a reliever.Abad could have been ready for Opening Day.I agree on Henry and his 9 lives. If Espi was to be replaced on Opening Day it would have been by a new veteran player. When they didn't get anyone new, Espi had a decent Spring Training. I'd say why did it take until June for the changes.

Rendon wasn't ready…. Krol wasn't ready… I'm not sure about Abad….Espi had a decent ST and of course has the wicked D… He is obviously hurt, think he should get himself together for next year or as a bench guy this year…Duke was the 'proven' leftyHRod had the wicked 100 mph nastiness that they thought they had finally gotten together becuz he also had a good ST…

"he should get himself together for next year or as a bench guy this year…"I had to run an errand early in the game and Slowes and Jageler said he starts his AAA rehab assignment soon. They said when but I forget; maybe 5 days? In any case it sounds like it will be a ramped up deal like Werth's, but maybe on a longer timeline.Apparently position players have 21 days on rehab assignment before they have to come back up or be optioned.Very curious to see how it plays out.

Well maybe April 1 I can accept, but May 1 the replacements could have started. gave some games away.Other subject Zim now second in ERA.closed subject revisited. Zim admired hit for a little before taking off. Maybe lollygag was too strong a word, but run out of yhe box until homer is known

peric said… Ho hum right again.___________________________Yah, you were wrong on Rendon to 2nd base as you swore that would NEVER happen.You were wrong about Henry being DFA'd. You were wrong on Zim going to 1st and LaRoche getting traded. You said Duke was the best starter in Syracuse but yet he sucked here and got DFA'd. Span is still leading off.Hmmmm, I guess if you make 50 predictions you will be right on a few. Your batting average stinks and the way you treated people here stinks.

David Proctor said… Amanda Comak ‏@acomak 3mDavey very impressed by Ohlendorf. "I'm looking forward to seeing more of him… I'm gonna try to find a way to keep him around."Interesting. _____________________________I agree. Haren to the 'pen or the DL. If Haren goes to the BP, you go to a short bench for a while. Perfect time to part ways with Tracy.